Games World of Puzzles October 2022

In this October issue of GAMES WORLD OF PUZZLES, you’ll find plenty of tricks and treats. Tricks, of course, because what fun is a puzzle magazine without them? So, instead, let’s focus on the treats that are in store for you in these pages.

First, take a look at the cover puzzle, Erich Friedman’s “Emoji TV Shows.” Lighthearted and not too challenging, it’s a perfect game to play with friends, family, or anyone else!

We also have an assortment of Halloween-related offerings. Maybe you’ll start with Annie Fillenwarth’s “Call Our Bluff: Halloween Edition” (page 34). It presents you with a dozen blurbs on various Halloween traditions. Your challenge is to pick out the three that are fabricated. Give it a try!

Next, turn to Raymond Simon’s “Hollywood Horror!” (page 40). This multiple-choice quiz was created especially for fans of macabre movies. In addition, this month’s Cryptolists (page 20) are all fall- and Halloween-themed. Keep that in mind when tackling the Mystery List!

We observe another fall holiday, Veterans Day, with Donald Kerr’s “Worth the Cheers” (page 38). Test your knowledge of the brave men and women who have served in conflicts dating back to the American Revolutionary War.

Another treat that you can look forward to is our special section: “*Do* Try This at Home: The 2022 ACPT Puzzles” (page 49). Here, we’ve reprinted all of the puzzles used at this year’s American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, which took place from April 1–3 at the Stamford Marriott in Connecticut. Maybe some of you made it there in person, but if you didn’t, you can solve these great puzzles in the comfort of your own home. If you want, you can even time yourself; the tournament time limit is given with each puzzle. Be warned: Don’t go into this expecting an easy solve; these are challenging puzzles!

Last but not least: Our Pencilwise section is packed with both old favorites and new challenges. For the logic- and math-minded, we recommend Erich Friedman’s “Flashlights” (page 25) and Rodolfo Kurchan’s “Regional Sum Sudoku” (page 64). Fans of wordplay will enjoy Mike Nothnagel’s “Mixed Doubles” (page 3) and Fred Piscop’s “Split Decisions” (page 21).

Now, sharpen your pencil and dive into this goody bag of puzzling treats!